Trump suspends Russia sanctions and tariffs

President Donald Trump suspended significant sanctions and tariffs targeting Russia that were set to take effect under recently signed legislation. The decision halts measures designed to pressure Moscow over its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Trump has shown a more favorable stance toward Moscow while criticizing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who responded that the move encourages Russian President Vladimir Putin and relieves the aggressor. The suspension comes days before U.S. midterm elections, with potential impacts on oil prices. The legislation, backed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, included tariffs up to 100% on Russian imports and countries buying Russian oil or gas. The exemption remains until Trump or his advisers decide otherwise, justified as being in the national interest.